If you’ve already been south of the border or plan on going there, you’re not alone in your preference: according to the Department of Commerce, about 34% of an estimated 68.3 million US travelers going abroad visited Mexico.
Whether you’re seeking fun in the sun, a more highbrow cultural experience or an eco-adventure worth writing home about, Mexico delivers it all with its signature brand of warmth and hospitality. This is a vast country you can visit time and time again and always be surprised by something new. Below we’ve listed a few interesting facts about Mexico that you may or may not know—but might come in handy during the après trip slideshow for your friends!
1. Mexico is one of the top five Most Bio-Diverse Nations on the planet. There are over 30,000 plant species, 1,000 bird species and 1,500 mammal, reptile and amphibian species native to this country.
2. Mexico has 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country in the Americas.
3. To date, Mexico has more than 29,000 archaeological sites, though new discoveries are constantly being added to the list.
4. The red poinsettia—that favorite Christmas flower—originated here and was named after Joel Robert Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico.
5. Mexico City is home to 160 museums, second only to London in number of museums worldwide. Paris has 137 and New York has 131.
6. Mexico has 68 official languages; Spanish is not, in fact, defined as the official language in legislation. Mexico has about six million citizens who speak indigenous language.
7. The world’s largest pyramid is in Mexico: the Great Pyramid of Cholula, located in Puebla, stands 180 feet above the surrounding plain, and in its final form measured 1,300’ x 1,300’.
8. Cinco de Mayo is a minor celebration throughout Mexico, though it is commemorated in Puebla. This was the site of a victory in battle against the French occupying forces in 1861.
9. Tequila is the national drink of Mexico, and it can only be legally produced from the agave grown only in very specific parts of Mexico (much like champagne can only be legally produced in the Champagne region of France).
10. Mexico is bigger than you think:
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(Mexican dancers photo credit: IMG_3315 via photopin license)
